Could my ruler be to blame?
 

I've tried several times (over the years) to make a quilt but never with great success...wonky seams seem to be my trademark :shock:

Anyway, I'm taking the Cut To It Craftsy class and as I was trying to apply what the instructor was demonstrating i noticed that although my ruler stays put when I cut the "free" fabric (the part not under the ruler) seems to shift.

My ruler is an 6 x 24 one that I've had for 15 years (yes, that's how long ago I started attempting quilting). Is it possible that it's somehow warped and needs replacing? I burnt a notch out of it by mistake a few years back. I just use the non-notched side but I'm thinking perhaps the melted bit is unbalancing the ruler?

I *may* be seeking a reason to replace the old ruler :o

...or a reason to justify my lack of skills...

I use a sharp blade on my rotary cutter btw

I agree, you need a new ruler.

If wonky seams are an issue, you might need to verify your quarter-inch seam. Does the Craftsy class demonstrate that also? If not, you might google for some tutorials. Tip - don't measure the seam allowance on the back of the patches you sew. Instead, cut 2 patches that are each 1" wide and sew them together. Press your seam (doesn't matter if it's open or to the side) and measure the right side of your fabrics. It should now measure 1.5" wide. If not, then your seam allowance is off and you need to adjust.

I have found that it is all in the placement of my hand. If my hand is ONLY on the ruler, it tends to drift. If I place my ring and little finger on the fabric to the left of the ruler (yes I am right handed) then the fabric and ruler seem to stay where they are meant to.

But if your ruler is that old, honey give yourself permission to get a new one!!

I replace rulers a lot. The new ones are so much easier to read and stay in place. I love Quilter's Select rulers. They don't move at all but sizes are limited. Creative Grids are great. The Frosted rulers are very nice if you have glare from light.

I agree that hand (or finger) placement makes a significant difference in the ruler shifting or not. Interestingly I was having a relevant conversation with another quilter about this just a bit ago.

In addition to the above, I tend - even with cutting the same measurement repeatedly - say 4 strips 2" wide or whatever the measurements - I tend to sometimes use the right side of the line; sometimes the left side; sometimes the center. When having these conversations I always think to myself...I really need to just put a piece of tape on the ruler so I am cutting more consistently. Of course by the time I get from the computer to the cutting table, I've forgotten and continue my lack of consistent cutting. Perhaps that might be part of your issue as well??

I also have little rubbery sticky dots on the 4 corners of my rulers. It helps tremendously with keeping them from shifting but the finger off to the side is still really helpful as well. The sticky dots can be picked up at any craft store or your local hardware store (if they even exist in most towns).

BTW, Welcome from NJ.

I hardly ever use my 24" ruler as I find it difficult to control the length. Yours could also be bowed a bit which makes it tough to maintain consistent contact across the fabric.

Definitely a new ruler. I learned in a workshop by Marti Michel. Press down when cutting not sideways. Sounds simple. But when she said it I realized when I cut, I was pressing to the side and the upper part of the cut was slipping. Sandpaper dots help too. Also, when cutting that 24 inches, walk you "holding" hand up don't put your hand in one spot and then run the cutter up the length, it will be wonky.

My cutting improved dramatically when I changed the cutting table height. You might want to experiment yourself. My previous table was too high and my ruler would slip.

I could never cut all the way straight on a 24" ruler...the last few inches were
always crooked. Since I bought the Slidelock ruler I no longer have this
problem. There's also less strain on my wrist.

After 15 years, a new ruler could be in order as they do wear away. Look into a Creative Grids one...I just started using a new one at work (LQS) and the non slip coating on the long edges are great...

Thank you everyone.
I examined my ruler and it's bowed!!!

So I ordered a new one!

Even though I haven't quilted much (due to many failed attempts) my 24in ruler has been invaluable in my dressmaking so it'll pay it's worth even if I never manage to quilt properly

You probably ate out the side and there is daylight showing in the "bowed" part. I've got a lot of the same trouble. Finally I started buying new rulers, still my 1/4 inch seams (scant???) are off. I combined Bonnie Hunter's and Eleanor Burns' advice into one axiom that I repeat to myself each time I cut something.

"Put the line on the fabric and give yourself another smidge". Bonnie says put the line on the fabric and Eleanor says to cut it a little bigger. So far I've got 115 4 patches for my En Provence. Yes, I've squared them up and there is a couple of threads that I cut off on some of them.

I changed machines too. I had a free arm Bernina that my neighbor says I was getting wonky on feeding the fabric. So I changed to a Janome flat bed which is 20 inches. I took it off a long arm Grace frame, but it won't fit in my wonderful cabinet. Cut out not big enough. So Yesterday!!! I ordered another cabinet just for that Janome. Now I'm really out of money. That En Provence had better come together!

@ EasyPeezy, I also have the slidelock rulers, love them even if they were a little pricey

I use the Slidelock for safety on top of all my long rulers. I use the cut resistant glove when I don't use the Slidelock. Have you seen the new Dragonskin ones from Slidelock?

I hope your new ruler brings you more satisfying results! When I was learning how to bind and experimenting with different binding methods (by making a boatload of potholders), I made a couple of striped potholders with deliberately wonky stripes. I figured having them off by a lot looked better than having them not-quite-straight. LOL

Maybe my signature should be, "If all else fails, pretend it was deliberate."

Good advice. If sticky dots are not available, glue sandpaper dots made by yourself onto the back of the ruler or put dots of rubber cement on the back of the ruler where it will not distract your view.

I forgot all about my Slidelock. Thanks. I want to cut 1 1/2" strips and this would be the perfect tool. I Googled the Slidelock and Earl and Sharon of (Quilters Slidelock)have a great tutorial for using this.

And here's another vote for the Slide Lock. It is a different way of measuring and cutting but I never have slipped fabric. http://www.quiltersslidelock.com/ You have to see it in action. Pricey, maybe but made a big different to me.

Welcome Mama! You'll find the best advice on QB and lots of encouragement too!

Definately get a new ruler. Love my new quilter's select and have no problems with fabric sliding, creative grid rulers are great too. Have heard great things about the slidelock but haven't actually tried it.

If your ruler has a burnt spot on it, I would buy a new ruler.

When I am cutting fabric, I hang my pinky off the edge of the ruler so it stays put. Also I "walk" my hand up the ruler when I am using a long ruler, also use sand paper dots on the bottom of the ruler.
Sharon in Texas

I find that just one ruler does not do as well as having a few rulers of different length and widths. I also had a plastic's store cut me some clear squares in different sizes so that I can plop one down on top of a block and quickly see if the block is square of where it is off.

My main problem in now getting good cuts is that I don't have the fabric folded correctly. So after every two cuts, I check the fabric to see if it is still square. If not, I do a trimming cut.

Consider trying Nexcare tape (found in first aid supply section in pharmacies, etc.) to try out on a ruler. Place rows of tape down the sides and possibly down the middle of the ruler. I was amazed how well the ruler stayed on top of the fabric. I also experimented covering the entire back of a small square ruler (4.5 inches). It was lovely to be able to turn the square ruler around while trimming off the excess fabric.

I have tried various non slip products on my rulers. The best product to date for me has been Grip Strips by Guidelines 4 Quilting... You can do a search at Guidelines4Quilting.com and look for grip strips... They can be cut to any size, they are clear and my rulers never slip. If you like the ruler you are using no need to replace it.

No I have not, guess I will have to check that out, thanls

I'd get a new ruler - Joann's is having 40% off, plus 25% off your total purchase. I got an $18.00 with tax for about $8 and change - good deal to me. Plus you will be more encouraged.

My new ruler is here!

So much better!!!

If you have one near you, go to a quilt store, buy that new ruler, and a fat quarter (or take one with you), demonstrate to the clerk how you are cutting, and see if they can help you out! I can't believe that you only have one ruler - I have way too many rulers, but still a selection is nice.

Grip Strips are the best. I've been using them for years now.

Have you seen the June Tailor Shape cut? It is 16" by16" and slots in it for the rotary cutter to fit in. You can cut any width strip on 1/2 inch increments and don't have to move the ruler till you are finished with that fabric. Try looking on youtube for a demo.